(Image credit: Freepik / Racool_studio)
Because of COVID-19 and the resulting circuit breaker measures, many of us realised how important our hairstyling professionals are to us. Hence, there were long queues once we were allowed to visit our hairdressers. And as the media released photographs and articles about the lines which had formed outside salons even before their operating hours had begun, some netizens expressed their puzzlement at folks who had made a beeline to the barber shops even though they looked like they did not have much for the barbers to work with. I’m guessing it’s because a trip to the salon is for more than the utilitarian purpose of trimming a few inches off our locks. These professionals offer a slew of services such as coloring, treatments, wash & blow, and my favorite of all – scalp, neck and even shoulder massages. And some of these folks even become our confidants, whom we trust with our tresses and our stresses.
And if you don’t yet have a favorite go-to person, here are 3Ps to consider when entrusting your precious crowning glory to someone: People, Products and Price.
(1) People
It’s always a bonus when they are friendly. Now that we are all masked up, it’s even more important to have a welcoming demeanour as you can hardly demonstrate service with a smile these days. A greeting is a must and so is the ushering of the customer to his or her seat, and helping the person settle in, such as by the stowing of bags in a cupboard or on a chair nearby. Some places offer wine, others serve tea, but these may become a thing of the past as measures to combat the coronavirus have changed the way many do business now. You’re more likely to be requested to scan the shop’s SafeEntry QR code and have your temperature taken. And you will most certainly be turned away if your temperature is deemed to be above the safe, normal range.
Likewise, I do not think you’ll be encouraged to stay on and chat. Even if there isn’t a queue outside, the staff may need to sweep up the loose strands, sanitise the seats and especially their tools. I do think we should all have a good idea about the makeover we would like before we even set foot into a salon. Do all the research you need at home. Have a picture to show regarding the style or cut you want. If there are magazines in the salon, my advice would be to avoid touching them as many other customers may have browsed through the same reading / reference material before you.
Secondly, they should have the necessary skills. I am usually not entirely comfortable in the hands of a trainee yet I may find that the senior stylists’ fees are out of my budget. So it is comforting to note that all three outlets are in the same ‘region’ and if one is shorthanded that day, staff can be transferred over (of course, during pre- and post-covid times)…
If you are wondering where these outlets are… they are conveniently located at (1) Queensway Shopping Centre (#02-29), (2) Midpoint Orchard (#01-02) and (3) Havelock II (#01-04).
(2) Products
When selecting treatments such as bleaching, it is extremely important to find out what products are used. Go with trusted brand names, such as L’Oréal’s Quick Blue Powder Bleach and Wella Blondor’s Multi Blonde Powder Lightener. And if you were to go for rebonding, perhaps you may want to consider Soft Rebonding instead of Straight Rebonding as the former uses milder chemicals, lower temperatures, and gives a more natural look.
Personally, I prefer to keep things simple. No dyeing or perming, and definitely no more bleaching. A cut is always welcome, a shampoo session a treat, and some pampering for my scalp leaves me looking and feeling good for days on end.
(3) Price
Many places entice first-time customers with discounts, so I recommend taking advantage of those offers. They are advertised on posters outside the outlets themselves or online, such as via Fave’s website or mobile app. It is a good way to discover if you like the venue, the professionals, the products and services, and in general, the overall vibe. I like it when hairstylists are comfortable among their colleagues, there is friendly banter, and the customer feels ‘at home’ among them.
Yoon Salon: Premium Service for All
For just $28, you can enjoy your first session of any of Yoon’s premium services: Cut, Colouring, Creative Colouring, Perming, Rebonding, Creative Shaping, Treatment, Bleaching, and Wash and Blow. Simply fill in the online form with your name, email address and contact number in order to redeem the offer. My pick is the scalp treatment as my scalp tends to get oily when our weather is hot (and it often is). During the session, exfoliation of the scalp is the first step, in order to unclog the follicles and remove the dead skin cells. This is followed by a moisturizing treatment which will also help promote hair growth – something I desperately need. And the third step is a lymphatic scalp massage and don’t we all love those? You’ll also get “scalp boosters” to use at home thereafter.
And on the topic of price, I’m not a big fan of salons which offer terribly cheap haircuts (for, say, under five or ten dollars) but from the moment you step into their premises, they ask you to top up for a wash and blow, or purchase products like shampoos and treatment serums to use at home. Sometimes they will even ask you to sign up for a package for something like 10 haircuts. Sure, each session will cost you slightly less but I do not think it is wise even when the economy is doing well. And these are extraordinary times. No one can be sure whether a second Circuit Breaker will happen, and during that time, many more businesses may fold. So I would encourage you to pay full price (except when there is a discount on your first visit) for each session, whether you’re getting your makeover, facial, massage or even a manicure.
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All in all, for the best experience, it is worth doing a little research so as to ensure you meet the right people who can help you better manage your mane, give you a makeover and improve your image. Remember the 3Ps and pick skilled professionals who use the right products and also charge a reasonable price for their services.
This post is brought to you by Yoon Salon.